But All the Israelites Went Down to the Philistines
The sermon emphasizes the importance of using every available resource to fight against evil and to serve God, and learning from our enemies to be more effective in our service.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the urgency of engaging in the spiritual battle against the 'Philistines' of evil, urging believers to utilize every available resource--be it preaching, teaching, or even seemingly insignificant talents. He calls for a sharpening of our tools and zeal, highlighting the need for practical common sense and energy in our Christian endeavors. Spurgeon points out the fervor of those who serve false idols and challenges Christians to match that dedication in their service to God. He encourages unity among believers, contrasting it with the organized efforts of evil forces, and inspires a proactive approach to spreading the Gospel.
Text
We are engaged in a great war with the Philistines of evil. Every weapon within our reach must be used. Preaching, teaching, praying, giving, all must be brought into action, and talents which have been thought too mean for service, must now be employed. Coulter, and axe, and mattock, may all be useful in slaying Philistines; rough tools may deal hard blows, and killing need not be elegantly done, so long as it is done effectually. Each moment of time, in season or out of season; each fragment of ability, educated or untutored; each opportunity, favourable or unfavourable, must be used, for our foes are many and our force but slender.
Most of our tools want sharpening; we need quickness of perception, tact, energy, promptness, in a word, complete adaptation for the Lord's work.
Practical common sense is a very scarce thing among the conductors of Christian enterprises. We might learn from our enemies if we would, and so make the Philistines sharpen our weapons. This morning let us note enough to sharpen our zeal during this day by the aid of the Holy Spirit. See the energy of the Papists, how they compass sea and land to make one proselyte, are they to monopolize all the earnestness? Mark the heathen devotees, what tortures they endure in the service of their idols! are they alone to exhibit patience and self-sacrifice? Observe the prince of darkness, how persevering in his endeavours, how unabashed in his attempts, how daring in his plans, how thoughtful in his plots, how energetic in all!
The devils are united as one man in their infamous rebellion, while we believers in Jesus are divided in our service of God, and scarcely ever work with unanimity. O that from Satan's infernal industry we may learn to go about like good Samaritans, seeking whom we may bless!
Sermon Outline
- The War with the Philistines
- The Need for Sharpening
- Lessons from the Enemy
- The energy of the Papists
- The patience of the heathen devotees
- The perseverance of Satan
Key Quotes
“Coulter, and axe, and mattock, may all be useful in slaying Philistines; rough tools may deal hard blows, and killing need not be elegantly done, so long as it is done effectually.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“O that from Satan's infernal industry we may learn to go about like good Samaritans, seeking whom we may bless!” — C.H. Spurgeon
“We might learn from our enemies if we would, and so make the Philistines sharpen our weapons.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We must use every available resource to fight against evil and to serve God.
- We can learn from our enemies and seek the aid of the Holy Spirit to sharpen our zeal for the Lord's work.
- We must be more energetic and united in our service of God, like the enemy's perseverance.